Illinois—Kelly Razzouk, former General Conference United Nations (U.N.) Liaison Officer and Hinsdale (Ill.) Church member, was given a rare invitation to attend a luncheon held at the U.N. honoring Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland.
Each year, the U.N. chooses to honor one international figure with their esteemed U.N. Day Award. Mary Robinson was chosen as this year’s recipient for her tireless commitment to human rights. Robinson served as president of Ireland for seven years and went on to be the U.N. high commissioner for human rights. She was the first head of state to visit Rwanda after the genocide and the first high commissioner to visit China, where she signed an agreement leading to improved human rights in that country.
Razzouk, currently a senior at Southern Adventist University, was one of the youngest people invited to the event. Invitees included diplomats and ambassadors, as well as affluent New Yorkers. She felt honored to be in attendance. “I have long admired Mrs. Robinson’s work in the field of human rights, and it was once again a privilege to interact with leaders and tell them about our church,” said Razzouk.
Not only was Razzouk able to attend the event, but she had a rare opportunity to spend a few minutes in conversation with the former president. She told Robinson about her work last year at the U.N., and of her future plans to work in the field of human rights.
Robinson continues to be a powerful and compelling voice for human rights around the world. In her address, Robinson emphasized the important role that human rights defenders play in society. “You are the voice of the first three words of the U.N. charter—‘We the peoples,’” she said, “representing the indigenous, those in refugee camps, and those living in extreme poverty.”
The Adventist church has long advocated for human rights, including the right to freedom of religion as outlined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Kelly Razzouk, as shared with Diane Thurber, Lake Union Herald managing editor
